Senior center receives a boost

A major contribution from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation has given a huge boost to Senior Services in Sanford and Jerome Township.

A $600,000 grant has been designated for the construction of a new senior center in Jerome Township that will include a recreation, wellness, and enrichment complex.

This is an exciting development for seniors in that area. More seniors are staying more active and developing more interests in retirement than ever before. A modern, new facility will probably become a second home for many of our seniors, who want to take advantage of it.

While a facility remains many months away from becoming a reality, we can see local officials hurrying to complete the project to replace a previous Senior Services structure that was damaged by floodwaters last year.

We join foundation President Macauley Whiting Jr. in commending Senior Services and Jerome Township for their collaboration.

Taking care of and supporting our seniors is essential. In turn, many seniors volunteer and support our communities as well.

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation is the not the only local foundation to support the project. Other grants have been pledged by: the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, $300,000; Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, $150,000; Midland Area Community Foundation, $100,000; Dow Corning Foundation, $100,000; the Patricia and David Kepler Foundation, $100,000; and The Dow Chemical Co. Foundation, $50,000.

A new senior complex near Sanford will be another great asset in Midland County. We thank the foundations and their generosity for making it happen.